DNR begins new licensing system

February 12, 2016

Starting Feb. 16 the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources will begin implementing a new customer service and license sales system designed to make it easier than ever for customers to buy hunting and fishing licenses, register boats and recreational vehicles and get information about hunter education and safety courses.

Implementation of the new system is part of a broader Go Wild campaign that encourages people to head outdoors and enjoy the numerous recreational opportunities made possible by the sound management of Wisconsin’s natural resources. Mark Rappe, of DNR’s bureau of customer and outreach services, said the new licensing system will offer numerous advantages for customers.

“We want people to get out and Go Wild when and where it’s convenient for them,” Rappe said. “The new Go Wild licensing system makes this possible by allowing sales and validation to take place 24-7, 365. Because the new system secures license and registration information online, there’s no waiting for licenses or registrations to arrive and no need to keep track of the old thermal paper documents. The system provides proof of many privileges through mobile devices, an optional personal conservation card and Wisconsin driver’s licenses.”

Rappe said GoWild.WI.Gov also acts as a portal to help plan adventures that make the most of Wisconsin’s great outdoors. The site links to information on hunting and fishing opportunities, Wisconsin’s unparalleled network of state parks, trails and natural areas and a variety of maps.

In addition to being accessible on mobile devices, the Go Wild system will be available at more than 1,000 vendors statewide. No fee increases are planned as part of the upgrade. License options will include hunting licenses, fishing licenses, conservation patron licenses and boat, snowmobile, ATV and UTV registrations.

In addition to eliminating the old thermal paper licenses, the Go Wild system will change the way carcass tags are handled. Customers who purchase a license, either at a vendor or at home, will be able to print out a paper copy of their harvest permits, such as turkey or goose. The permits will have information and additional space for validation.

During the transition period that starts Feb. 16 and runs to early March, customers who wish to purchase products such as fishing licenses or a snowmobile trail pass must place their purchases at a DNR service center or call the customer service line and purchase products over the phone at 1-888-WDNRINFo(1-888-936-7463).